Friday, October 9, 2009

A Distraction

To get my mind off our upcoming wedding for a few minutes, I've started thinking about the holidays and specifically Christmas Cards. I made a decision not to send cards until after we are married. I just really didn't see the point in sending them solo and though to send them from both B and me before we were married might not be very appropriate. So this year will my first year sending out Christmas cards, and I feel very grown-up!

I searched a bit online and found some Christmas Card Etiquette guidelines. Here are the Top Ten:

1. If uncertain if the recipient celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, or another religious faith or tradition, then send a neutral card with a greeting of Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season, or Peace on Earth. *Side note-I'm just going to send the preppiest cards I can get my hands on! :)

2. Write the recipient's name inside the card.

3. Write a short note wishing them well, a simple sentence is better than nothing.

4. Even if your name is preprinted in the card, sign your first name after your short message.

5. Including a photo of the family is always enjoyable.

6. Send cards out in time for the recipient to receive before Christmas.

7. Only send holiday newsletters to close friends and family who would be interested in the details. *Side note-This is a HUGE (I mean HUGE) pet peeve of mine. I do not think its polite to write several pages of an update about your life in a Christmas "Newsletter". Most of the time I feel like if I don't know all this information already its because we really aren't all that close to begin with, so it probably is not really any of my business. I'm so so sorry if I seem rude here, but keep it to a single page people! While I do enjoy a brief update, I don't need a short story on your life!

8. Remember to include your return address on the envelope.

9. Send a card to everyone who sends you one.

10. E-mail greeting cards are not a substitute for an actual holiday card.

So, once we arrive home from a fabulous two weeks in sunny Florida, I'll hit the ground running and seek out the preppiest Christmas Cards I can find! I do have my eye on some at the stationary shop where I got all our wedding stationary. The cards are too cute with a plaid Christmas ornament on the front. Have any of you started thinking about the holidays yet?

8 comments:

The Rest is Still Unwritten said...

Great tips!! I always get my Christmas cards and wrapping paper from St. Jude. I can't resist.

Unknown said...

Love your tips! I can't wait for the holidays!! BTW I love your blog, I have become a follower!

Heather (Live.Love.Laugh.) said...

Good to know!! It reminds me that I need to start looking for holiday cards.

Headbands and Hand Bags said...

Thank you for #7!! Those play by play of the year is just so tacky!

Anonymous said...

I love christmas cards! I definitely agree to keeping the newsletters one page. I enjoy getting them and getting updated but I think if it is not a personal letter that is a few pages then it is ridiculous!

the Preppy Princess said...

This is excellent Miss Princess, especially Number 7!
tp

Red Lipstick said...

This is an enlightening list. Christmas, or Holiday, cards are kind of becoming a lost art. I have thought about the Holidays, and I have to admit that I've even peeked in my storage boxes ;-)

Lauren @ Adventures of a Southern Newlywed said...

I am thinking about my holidays cards too but I can't narrow down which ones I would like to send. I always look forward to choosing one each year! :)